Image source: ABC News, Variety (Pat Saperstein), Kingdom Hearts X/Twitter account — via Anime News Network
Actress Hayden Panettiere died at 36 on Sunday, her family announced in a statement to ABC News. The investigation into her death is ongoing, but no foulplay is suspected.
The actress voiced Kairi in Square Enix's Kingdom Heartsfranchise from the first game to Birth by Sleep, and also voiced Xion in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Kingdom Hearts franchise offered its condolences, saying:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hayden Panettiere.
Through her performance as Kairi, Hayden brought warmth, heart, and an unforgettable voice to the Kingdom Hearts series.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones.
Panettiere played Samantha"Sam" Giddings in the Until Dawn game series, providing the motion and facial capture, along with the voice for the character.
The actress was known for her role as the cheerleader Claire Bennet in the Heroes television series and Kirby Reed in the Scream film franchise. She also starred in the Nashville television series as the singer Juliette Barnes.
Panettiere began her acting career as a child in 1994 in the ABC soap opera One Life to Live and starred in numerous film and televisionroles throughout her career.
Panettiere released a number of songs during hercareer, including tracks from the Nashville series' soundtrack.
Update: Message from Kingdom Hearts staff added.
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